Latest Oil & Gas Articles

Categories

How-To: Building a PLC Project with Modbus Communication

How-To: Building a PLC Project with Modbus Communication

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.


Banner Engineering Releases RGB Programmable Light Towers

Banner Engineering Releases RGB Programmable Light Towers

Banner Engineering recently released a series of programmable multicolor (RGB) indicators for advanced industrial machine status and diagnostics.


How IIoT is Transforming Predictive Maintenance

How IIoT is Transforming Predictive Maintenance

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning algorithms provided with vast quantities of data.


Methods of Marking and Labeling for Wiring and Tubing

Methods of Marking and Labeling for Wiring and Tubing

Labels are such a small detail in the world of robotics and automation, they are often given very little attention. However, they play a vital role in proper system function - from installation to troubleshooting.


Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.


Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.


Troubleshooting for PLC Modules and I/O Devices

Troubleshooting for PLC Modules and I/O Devices

Failures of I/O systems are a common source of headache for control engineers. Troubleshooting those devices that have polarized connections (source vs sink, and NPN vs PNP) is a technique worth refining.


The Technology Used to Find the ‘Endurance’ Shipwreck

The Technology Used to Find the ‘Endurance’ Shipwreck

Autonomous underwater vehicles were used to find Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, which sank on an exploration mission over a century ago into the freezing depths of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica.


News Mar 28, 2022 by Seth Price
Phoenix Contact Releases New Line of Data-Driven Circuit Breakers

Phoenix Contact Releases New Line of Data-Driven Circuit Breakers

Phoenix Contact’s new CAPAROC system of low-voltage circuit breakers provides remote reset functions as well as discrete and networked access to branch circuit data for rapid troubleshooting.


News Mar 23, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Info Byte: Difference Between Analog and Digital Multimeters

Info Byte: Difference Between Analog and Digital Multimeters

Analog and digital multimeters have both enjoyed popularity in different generations of electrical systems. What is unique about the analog meters, and in what situations might they be preferred over their digital counterparts?


The MAX System, Cloud Computing, and IT: an Interview with A&E Engineering

The MAX System, Cloud Computing, and IT: an Interview with A&E Engineering

Recently, our Control.com staff got a chance to chat with the software team at A&E Engineering, Inc., for an interview to discuss the MAX system and learn behind the scenes about how a cloud approach to data analysis is a powerful tool for manufacturing and processing facilities.


News Mar 22, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Application Considerations for pH Sensors

Application Considerations for pH Sensors

Measuring pH is a critical task of many chemical processes and systems. Learn the definition of pH, the measurement tools, and the calibration steps for proper operation and care of these meters.


Infrastructure Inspection with Gecko Robotics Receives Funding Boost

Infrastructure Inspection with Gecko Robotics Receives Funding Boost

Gecko Robotics recently received $73 million in Series C funding to design solutions aimed at protecting critical infrastructure systems.


News Mar 19, 2022 by Seth Price
SPC Pillar: Continual Improvement Process (CIP)

SPC Pillar: Continual Improvement Process (CIP)

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven by data and statistical methods.


Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

The window is closing for submissions to a funding competition - robotics, machine vision, and AI innovations are taking the center stage for a chance at winning $10,000. Are you ready?


News Mar 15, 2022 by David Peterson
Choosing The Right Cables for Industrial Automation

Choosing The Right Cables for Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical cable connections. In this article, learn about some of the most popular communication cables and connectors used in the industry.


Schneider Electric Plans Manufacturing Expansion in Texas

Schneider Electric Plans Manufacturing Expansion in Texas

Schneider Electric is investing in new manufacturing capabilities in a revised El Paso facility in order to address domestic supply chain problems.


News Mar 12, 2022 by Seth Price
SPC Pillar: Using Control Charts

SPC Pillar: Using Control Charts

Learn how control charts are used in statistical process control (SPC) to show how a process changes with time as compared to past measurements, providing reliable visualizations for data-driven decisions.


What Is a PLC? An Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

What Is a PLC? An Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

What is a PLC? This article will lay out a succinct definition of a programmable logic controller and explain its basic components.


Antaira Technologies Releases Managed Switches with Industrial M12 Interface

Antaira Technologies Releases Managed Switches with Industrial M12 Interface

Antaira Technologies has recently expanded its industrial networking infrastructure product line with the introduction of new managed switches.